WAR OF WORDS: Pellegrini has responded to Mourinho's claims that City have had it easy this season [GETTY]

After weeks of staying tight-lipped to Mourinho's continual accusations that City get an easy ride from referees and the authorities, the Chilean fought back by claiming it is in fact Chelsea who have been lucky and on the receiving end of favourable decisions.

Pellegrini said: "The only time a referee has come out and apologised about an important mistake is in the Chelsea-Hull (actually West Brom) game - the penalty in the 93rd or 94th minute. That's given them two points more.

"So it's very easy to every week say what you think is better for you.

"If we are talking about the penalty and sending-off at Tottenham - everyone said Rose touched the ball with his right foot but before that, with his left leg, he tackles (Edin) Dzeko. It was a penalty.

"After that we did score four more goals, but before that we'd had six clear chances. It's not like in that moment, with the decision, the game changed.

"The other decision at Newcastle - the referees at the beginning of the season said that would be offside.

"But we scored another goal more - it was not a goal that decided the match."

Despite becoming the first team to defeat City at the Etihad Stadium this season last week, Mourinho has bizarrely ruled his side out of title contention, describing Chelsea as a 'small horse' compared to Pellegrini's side and leaders Arsenal.

LITTLE HORSE: Mourinho's side defeated City through Ivanovic's goal, but the Blues does not consider his side to be title contenders [AFP]

Pellegrini refutes that statement, claiming Chelsea have spent more money in the last decade than anyone else.

He said: "Maybe it is a small horse if the manager thinks like that. It can be a little horse, but very rich.

"This is the team that has spent most money in the last 10 years, is the team that spent most money this year and the team that spent the most money in the transfer window. So, little - but rich."

"He has shown in the last two games (against us) he has a strong team with some great players.

“Maybe it is a small horse if the manager thinks like that. It can be a little horse, but very rich”

Manuel Pellegrini

"I think it will be very close with Chelsea and Arsenal. Arsenal are the favourites because they have two points lead in the table."

City will have a chance to earn revenge over Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round tie at the Etihad Stadium next weekend.

That match comes just three days before City's first Champions League meeting with Barcelona, while Chelsea do not play their next game in the European competition until the following week.

Pellegrini admitted he may have to juggle his squad with so any big games on the horizon.

"It is important to give importance to the cup, but maybe at this moment I have to decide which game will be more important," he said.

"Maybe it's Barcelona and maybe we will put an alternative team out against Chelsea."